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Scottish Rugby issue more detail on Age Grade Law Variations

Scottish Rugby has issued a document giving more detail on its trial set of age grade law variations (AGLVs) for the 2018/19 season.

The trial laws, which can be downloaded here were revealed at a series of regional roadshows throughout June which attracted more than 300 mini and youth coaches and referees.

The trial period which starts on 1 August 2018 will be analysed by Scottish Rugby to determine the impact of each trial in comparison with the current set of AGLVs.

Every rugby playing school and rugby club age-grade side in the country will participate in the trials during their matches up until the end of the season.

Further controlled trials will take place throughout the season, including specific women and girls’ laws. These will investigate innovative ways to develop the game at each age and stage to support the player-centred, development driven and competition supported ethos.

Scottish Rugby’s Head of Training & Education, Neil Graham said: “We have had some great engagement and feedback at the roadshows and we are excited to get the trials underway.

It is vital that, above all else, playing rugby is fun for young players and the revised competitive formats ensure that players of all levels and abilities can enjoy playing before more competition is introduced later on.

"Young players will start with festivals and triangular fixtures and progress to knockouts, tournaments and leagues as they get older and develop their game. Our aim is to have as many players as possible getting the opportunity to take part and develop through the game.”

The AGLVs aim to create a more enjoyable and inclusive game for all while providing a playing format with building blocks to the 15-a-side game, aligning to Scottish Rugby’s Technical Blueprint, ‘The Scottish Way’.

The trial laws give players time to get to grips with the basics of running, evading, catching and passing the ball before tackling and contact skills are gradually introduced, with the aim of having a positive impact on player safety.

In addition to the analysis undertaken by Scottish Rugby, feedback will also be sought from coaches, referees and players.

More training videos and supplementary detail will be launched in August through the annual RugbyRight online course, with practical workshops delivered throughout August and September.